AURORA, Colo. – September 20, 2016 – Louie Key, National Director of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, released the following statement:

“On behalf of the Southwest Airlines aircraft maintenance technicians, ground support equipment technicians, plant maintenance technicians, maintenance controllers, and maintenance trainers, the members of AMFA Locals 4, 11, 18, and 32 will be conducting informational picketing in several cities on September 23, 2016. Those cities are Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; and Phoenix, AZ.

“Beyond contributing to the success of Southwest Airlines, our members also provide a safe aircraft for the flying public. We have been negotiating for over four years with the Company, and yet they continue to demand a concessionary deal. AMFA has the best technicians in the industry – bar none –and we will not accept further outsourcing of maintenance and the loss of job security at the Company’s whim. We are prepared to continue negotiating; however, the time has passed for conjecture and failed promises. The time is now for Southwest Airlines to remember its culture and the employees who have built this airline through shared sacrifices. They need to bring the right people back to the table with a strong and legitimate desire to get a deal done.

“AMFA members will be joined by representatives of the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association (SWAPA) and the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, which represents the Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant group. Although both of these groups have recently negotiated an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with Southwest Airlines, they recognize our plight and join AMFA in solidarity.”

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.